Chevening Alumna Silvia Iliana Ramírez Ramírez is a computer scientist, lecturer, and programmer who is encouraging young people from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds to pursue science education.
Since 2016, Silvia Iliana Ramírez Ramírez has served as the Human Capital Director at the Software Council of Nuevo León, a non-profit organization that advocates for increased usage of IT at all social levels.
In addition to her role at the Software Council, Silvia is the Mexican Director of ‘Beautiful Patterns,’ a programme designed to cultivate computational thinking skills among girls aged 13 to 17. In 2018 alone, the initiative empowered over 600 girls across six Mexican states. From 2014 to 2016, she led the Scalable Game Design Mexico programme, which earned a Google RISE Award in 2015 for its innovative approach to teaching computer science and programming to more than 6,000 children.
Since 2001, Silvia has also lectured in computer science and information systems at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, where she has inspired countless students.
“I believe that inclusion is vital for the growth of my country and that, irrespective of your origin, gender, or economic situation, everyone has the potential to fulfill their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.”
What motivated you to apply for a Chevening Scholarship?
“I was born into a low-income family, but my parents always encouraged me to dream big and strive for more. Their unwavering support instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything. From a young age, I envisioned studying abroad.
I chose the UK for its renowned universities, cultural diversity, and the opportunity to explore historical and cultural places I had only encountered in books or films. The University of Manchester particularly appealed to me, as it is known for its excellence in informatics research and teaching.
As a software engineer, it was exhilarating to study in the city that sparked the computer revolution with the ‘Manchester Baby,’ the world’s first electronic stored-programme computer. I felt honoured to study at the same university as Christabel Pankhurst, a pioneering figure in the fight for gender equality.”
How did your experience studying in the UK influence you?
“My time in the UK, supported by the Chevening Scholarship, has profoundly shaped both my professional and personal identity. The Chevening brand signifies to recruiters that you possess substantial skills and knowledge, which opened doors for me upon my return to Mexico.
Shortly after I began lecturing at Tecnológico de Monterrey, I was invited by fellow Chevening Alumnus Professor Juan Nolazco to join his team. This opportunity enabled me to participate in transformative projects that have defined my career, including Scalable Game Design Mexico and Beautiful Patterns, and led to my recruitment by the Software Council in Nuevo León as the leader of the Human Capital committee.”
What is the most important lesson you learned during your experience?
“The most significant lesson I learned is the importance of gratitude. As a girl born into extreme poverty, I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in a welcoming country that celebrates diversity. It was a life-changing experience.
I take seriously my responsibility to give back and extend the benefits of this opportunity to others, enabling more people like me to achieve their dreams and contribute to a better Mexico. I believe that inclusion is vital for the growth of my country and that no matter your origin, gender, economic or social situation, you can fulfil your dreams and improve the world.”
Mercy Nachalwe Chipampe is a 2009 Chevening Scholar and a leading expert in radiography and mammography. She has made innovative strides in early cancer detection and treatment in Zambia.
2018 Chevening Alumna Sarah Egbo is leading groundbreaking efforts to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence on higher education campuses across Nigeria.
Just months after graduating from King's College London on a Chevening Scholarship, Viktoriia Neimanis already applying her knowledge and skills while working on the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, which supports reconstruction efforts in her homeland.